A lifeline ferry’s return to service has been delayed by four months as part of an annual overhaul.

CalMac confirmed MV Caledonian Isles, one of its older vessels, has delayed its return to service by approximately sixteen weeks.

The vessel entered annual overhaul on January 4 with MV Alfred operating on the Isle of Arran route between Ardrossan and Brodick while repairs were ongoing.

The ferry operator say significant steel renewal and repair works totalling an estimated £5m were confirmed by the dry dock operator on Wednesday.

The vessel’s main and auxiliary engines need removed as part of the repairs with the impact of not having the ferry in service for the start of the summer timetable being under assessment.

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